Question : UNPRODUCTIVE EXPENDITURE

(a) whether during the year 1999-2000, the loss/overpayment/short recovery/other recoveries and idel/unproductive expenditure amounted to Rs. 263.89 crore out of financial implication of Rs. 987.38 and Rs. 201.29 crore out of Rs. 232.57 crore in the Department of Telecommunications and Department of Posts respectively;

(b) if so, the corresponding figures for 2000-01 for both the Department separately;

(c) the reasons for such a heavy loss; and

(d) the Government`s plan to curb such unproductive expenditure?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)

(a) These were the figures pointed out by the CAG in his report for 1999-2000.

(b) The CAG`s Report for the year ended 31st March, 2001 is not yet available.

(c) Some of the major reasons as pointed out by CAG in its report for such a loss in Department of Telecommunications are non-recovery of dues from MTNL, expenditure on use of armoured cable, procurement of digital microwave terminals, 8-megabit optical line equipments and HDPE pipes and in case of Department of Posts are non installation of Multi Purpose counter Machines, short realization and non-recovery of revenue/pension payments.

(d) From time to time Government has been reviewing the systems and procedures for streamlining the same to avoid such unproductive expenditure.